The hygienist menitoned it first. She said that I should only use a small amount of toothpaste. When I asked why, she said it can be abrasive. Then, when the dentist examined me, he commented on my gum recession and said there are even some small pockets that have been worn in my teeth. At first he said I needed to watch my technique, but when I told him I don't brush back and forth vigorously, he asked me how much toothpaste I use. I told him I usually cover my whole toothbrush with paste. And he said that might be a problem. You should only us a pea-sized amount he said. A pea-sized amount! That's what the toothpaste tube suggests for children under 6. Not to mention all the toothpaste commercials that ingrain in our minds the image of a long, full squirt of toothpaste for each brushing. My whole life I've been using too much toothpaste.
My dentist said that there is actually fairly new research coming out about the abrasiveness of toothpaste and that it's actually been a major flaw in dentistry that they've blamed gum recession on hard-bristled toothbrushes. He said that toothpaste can actually be more abrasive than a toothbrush! Who knew?
I did a little online research and found this table on a few different dentist's websites. It rates toothpastes according to how abrasive they are-- and not surprisingly I've been using highly abrasive toothpastes. I always buy whitening toothpastes, and they are among the worst!
I just felt like I needed to pass this information along, because I'm sure there are lots of people out there who also have problems with gum recession-- especially those of us who have had braces. (Gum recession is often initially caused by braces.)
It's hard to change habits, but both Brent and I have cut down our toothpaste usage quite a bit. I just wish those tubes were designed to allow a smaller flow of paste. It's practically impossible to get just a pea-sized amount out without touching the tube to your toothbrush. (Yuck!) The next step is to start buying less-abrasive toothpaste. Hopefully my teeth won't turn brown from not using whitening toothpaste anymore. :-)
8 comments:
I never had my dentist quite explain it like that but I did have receding gums too and they did tell me to use a pea sized amt of toothpaste and also to be sure I don't rinse my mouth out with water afterwards. I haven't had any problems since but good to know! I didn't know toothpaste could do that much damage!
I always use a pea-sized amount! If you use more it gets all frothy like you have rabies or something. It always makes me gag to have too much. I'm using an abrasive one too, though. Hmmm. I'm glad you posted this.
This is fascinating. I was told I have gum recession and they sent me to a periodontist who wanted about 4,000 to fix it. I opted out of that, and choose a new dentist who told me it wasn't quite that bad and actually did a small gum implant surgery to help (for a much smaller price). However, no one ever talked to me about my toothpaste--just my brushing habits. I guess I need to look at some different brands.
Audrey: Do you know why the dentist recommended that you not rinse? I rinse a ton. . .
Lia: I actually like the overly-frothy feeling myself. :-) Ha ha.
Trent: I'm glad you didn't need a huge surgery. My cousin had 2 gum grafts done when she was still a teenager. Crazy!
My dad, also a dentist, actually recommends not using toothpaste at all, but just straight baking soda. It regulates pH levels in your mouth, which toothpaste harms.
I mainly brush with straight baking soda and it works great. Doesn't leave that minty clean, but my teeth feel cleaner.
yeah my dentist said whitening toothpastes actually leave your teeth less white in the long run because the abrasiveness wears down the enamel. to really whiten, it has to be done from the inside-out and a toothpaste won't do that.
glad i saw your blog! i hope baby gets here soon!
sorry that's me, kaylene. i don't know why it only says k...
Wow! I am loving all these comments! I wish I had known all of this years ago!
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